Secrets of the Dead: A Novel of Mummies and Ancient Curses - Tapa dura

"Clark's plain prose adequately evokes the bodily horror of mummification and the unquiet dead"--Publishers Weekly

"Another fine novel from this very readable writer"--Booklist

Tombs are sealed shut for a reason. Opening them can have terrifying consequences . . .

John Tolworth is delighted when he is hired to help investigate a collection of mummified bodies found in the notorious Gold Tomb in Egypt. Not only is he intrigued by the work, but the collection is stored in an ancient castle in Devon, where John spent his childhood. He looks forward to revisiting the area, and to showing his family the place he grew up.

But when John and his family arrive at Baverstock Castle, John starts to remember things. Things he had forgotten. What happened the last time he was there? And why is Philip Kemmis, the former owner of the castle, and John’s childhood companion, now a raving madman?

As the mummified bodies begin to reveal their ancient secrets, John begins to think the unthinkable . . .